August Checklist for High School Seniors

Vow to stay organized and on top of everything you need to do so that you can do the things you want to do.

Featured Author:

Elizabeth Hoyt

Elizabeth Hoyt is the editor of Fastweb as well as a contributing writer and social media manager.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University, where she majored in Journalism, specializing in Apparel and Textile Design.
Her experience in the communications field spans both print and online publications, including newspaper and magazine writing as well as work within marketing, public relations and the non-profit sector.
In her spare time, Elizabeth can usually be found in Chicago’s local vintage markets scoping out rare finds, vegetarian restaurants, volunteering at local animal shelters or elbows deep in creative projects within her Lincoln Park apartment.
Follow her on Google+ or contact her via email here.

More articles from this author:

Here’s what you can do in August so you can head back to school ahead of the class during the college planning process.

You’re about to head back to school – as a SENIOR! You get to rule the school. Finally. Woot, woot!

It’s an exciting time and, the more organized you are in your studies and the college admissions process, the more you’ll be able to enjoy every moment with your friends.

You definitely want to be able to remember this time and make memories. It’s time to buckle down – vow to stay organized and on top of everything you need to do so that you can do the things you want to do.

Here’s a checklist for the month of August to help you head back to school ahead of the class in the college admissions process:

• Register to take the ACT or SAT (if you didn’t do so as a junior)

Check which tests the colleges you’re planning on applying to require and register accordingly. You don’t want to apply to a school without taking the required exams!

• Begin a college admissions process calendar

On your calendar, you can keep track of everything regarding the college admissions process, from standardized testing dates and college interviews to scholarship deadlines.

At this point, you can look up dates that have already been set for the fall semester. Start by looking up standardized testing dates, if you’re planning on taking exams. Make sure to note registration deadlines and actual test dates on your calendar. Also, keep in mind that there are also deadlines to send in registration and test fees!

If you know any colleges you will absolutely be apply to, look up the college application deadline dates for those particular schools. You can usually find them listed on their website.

Continue adding to your calendar throughout the fall, as the college admissions process progresses – there will certainly be a lot more to add!

• Make sure you’re on the right track to fulfill graduation and college admission requirements

Meet with your counselor to ensure that all courses you are taking will meet both your high school’s graduation requirements as well as college admission requirements.

• Start narrowing down your college choice list

Your list should consist of the following three categories:

1. “Safety” schools – Schools that you absolutely know you’ll gain admission to, based on the admission requirements. At these schools, you’ll likely be towards the top of your class ranking.

2. “Realistic” schools – Schools you’ll most likely gain admission to, based on the admission requirements, and will most likely end up attending. At these schools, you will most likely fall somewhere in the middle of your class ranking.

3. “Reach” schools – Schools you’d like to apply to and would be happy to get into, but are unsure that you will be accepted to, based on the admission requirements. At these schools, you’ll most likely fall into the bottom tier of the class ranking.

• Continue to apply for scholarships

Whether this is on your checklist or not, it should always be on your mind. Because the more you get into the habit of applying, the more scholarships you’ll apply for. And, the more scholarships you apply for, the better your odds are of winning.

Do yourself (and your future bank account) a favor and never stop applying to scholarships you qualify for!